Take out Section 1 homework. Quiz on Section 1 today.

Section 2: The Rule of the Safavids

1. Describe the Safavid Dynasty. 2. Contrast/Compare Safavid with

Ottoman Dynasty.

Major Shiite group, very different from Sunni Ottomans

Founded by Shah Ismail Major center of power- Azerbaijan, near

Caspian Sea

Azerbaijan’s location

Where is Azerbaijan?

Ismail invades Iran, Iraq Established as shah (king) of new Persian

state. Attempted to convert Sunnis to Shiites What group might this lead to conflict

with?

Ottoman Turks vs. Safavid Dynasty Selim vs. Ismail Tabriz – major conflict between them Peace Treaty signed in 1580s after many

years of fighting Isfahan- new capital of Safavids

Shah Ismail vs. Selim I

Shah Abbas (Safavids) – peak of Safavid society (1600s)

Abbas- attacks Ottomans with European allies

Some success, but could not hold their new territories for long.

After Shah Abbas, Safavids begin to decline

Shah Abbas

Orthodoxy vs. Religious Freedom Orthodoxy forces women to wear veils,

etc. Shah Hussein- invaded by Afghans, Turks Persia- sinks into anarchy (no

government, lawlessness) What are some modern examples of

anarchy?

Safavids- ethnically mixed society. Turkish and Persian elements of society Political system- very similar to Ottomans Shah (king), Bureaucracy, landed people,

commoners in a pyramid system

Shiites- Shah Ismail descends from Muhammad.

Shia Islam (Shiites) – State religion Available to their subjects Seized land from aristocracy Bureaucracy – merit based.

Poor road system Horse and Ox drove trading carts Trade was difficult, Ottomans restricted

Safavid trade with Europe.

Isfahan- capital built by Shah Abbas. All ornately decorated buildings

surrounded a gigantic polo ground for sport.

Riza-i-Abbasi- famous Safavid artist Paintings were simple, with soft colors

and flowing movement.

Risa’s Artwork

Risa’s Artwork

Safavid Polo Grounds

Section 2 Assessment (page 471, skip #3)